Meatless Monday: Lentil Loaf

We’ve heard of Meatless Monday, yes?  If you haven’t heard of it check out the Meatless Monday website.  Of course every day is meatless for us, but I don’t believe that the meatless thing has to be an all or nothing thing for everyone.  Not everyone is willing to go completely meatless, but everyone can commit to having one meatless day a week.  Simple!  You’ll get in more veggies, reduce your risk of some chronic diseases(heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name a few), and help the environment all at the same time!  So let’s do this!  Each Monday I’ll give you a great meatless recipe and a whole lot of encouragement!

On with the recipe…

I know you’re probably thinking that lentil loaf sounds weird, but trust me when I say it’s so good!  We actually crave it- especially in the winter.  It’s an amazing comfort food, and I think it’s appropriate at all times of the year!  This recipe gets a big thumbs up from the husband. (he actually requests it sometimes!).

And the best part…. the leftovers!  This is amazing on sandwiches the next day.

Lentil Loaf
(Print this recipe!)

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, shredded
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped or ground
1 Tablespoon ground flax seed
1/2 cup ketchup, plus more for spreading on top of loaf
2 teaspoons vegetarian worcestershire sauce
2 handfuls chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F.

Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray.

Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic in the 2 tsp of olive oil until tender.

Add to a large mixing bowl along with all of the other ingredients.

Stir and lightly mash the mixture with the back of your mixing spoon until it comes together.  If it’s too dry and won’t come together you may need to add a few splashes of water or vegetable broth. (or if it’s too wet you can add more bread crumbs)

Press mixture into loaf pan and spread a little more ketchup on top.

Bake for 1 hour, let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Cut into slices- you should get eight servings.  Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls for some classic home cooked comfort food.  OR on a sandwich- the best thing to do with the leftovers the next day!!!

I swear I could NOT get a good picture of this- though I took like a billion. I think you’ll have to make it and just trust me that it’s delish.

Happy Meatless Monday!